Evaluation

• Evaluate some supporting evidence

  • Some antidepressants work on serotonin system by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter.
  • It reduces OCD symptoms, therefore, serotonin system is involved in OCD
• evaluate it is not clear what neural mechanisms are involved

  • cavedini et al 2002 - research show neural systems function abnormally in OCD.
  • other research has identified other brain systems that sometimes are involved.
  • no system has been found that always plays a role in OCD
• evalaute should not assume neural mechanisms cause OCD

  • some evidence suggests that various neurotransmitters and brain structures do not function normally in OCD.
  • This does not mean they cause OCD.
  • they could be a result of OCD rather than cause.
• evalaute the serotonin-OCD link may be co-morbidity with depression

  • many people who suffer form OCD become depressed.
  • co-morbidity - having two disorders together.
  • depression probably involved in disruption to the serotonin system.
  • it could be that the serotonin system is disrupted in OCD patients because they are depressed as well.